9 Ways to Take the Sting Out of Self Injections

Music may help take the sting out of injections according to a study published inJAMA Pediatrics. Researchers looked at children who were receiving an IV and found that when music was being played, children experienced less stress and pain compared to the group without music. Healthcare providers also reported it was easier to perform the procedure in the group listening to music. This means there might be a double benefit for self-injections.

According to theArthritis Foundation, it may help to ice the area before the injection. Just rub an ice cube on the skin until it becomes numb. Be sure to clean the area with alcohol before the injection.

Many medications need to be stored in a refrigerator. However, if themedication is brought to room temperaturebefore injecting, it can be less painful. You can set the medication out in advance of the injection or place it against your skin for a few minutes to warm it up more quickly.

Numbing cream applied to the skin can help according to theClinical Journal of Pain. In two studies evaluating the effects of topical anesthetics before injections in adolescents and adults, it was discovered that pain was lower in the groups using a topical anesthetic. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best cream to use.

Rotating the location of the injection can help prevent one area from becoming sore and irritated. Talk to your doctor about the choices you have for the injection site. Drug manufacturers may also have videos available to help you find alternative injection locations.

Astudy exploring the effects of stroking the skinclose to the injection site before and during the injection. It was found that there was less pain when children received stroking compared to those who received no stroking. Pressure applied to the site before the injection has also been found to reduce pain in adults undergoing injections.

The speed of injection can make a difference in the level of discomfort. In at least one study, it was found thatvaccines given rapidly reduced the pain. You can ask your doctor if there is any disadvantage to injecting your particular medication quickly.

There is some evidence thattaking in a sweet-tasting solution之前和期间注入可以减少派n of the injection. This research was done with over 800 infants. The infants who took in sucrose two minutes before the injection saw less distress than those without the sucrose. Therefore, it may be worth it to try to eat a piece of candy just before the injection.

Heat brings more blood to the area and can relax the surrounding muscles when it is applied. A cold compress can reduce swelling around the injection site. Different people have different preferences for whether heat or cold makes them feel better. Try experimenting after your injection with a hot or cold compress to see which brings you relief.